Federal immigration agents in San Antonio have arrested more than 6,000 people since the start of 2025, with 68% of those arrests involving individuals with criminal ties, according to new data released in July. The remaining 32% had no known criminal record or pending charges at the time of their arrest. This sharp increase in both total arrests and the number of noncriminal detainees follows a major policy shift by the Trump administration, which tripled ICE’s arrest quota in May.
San Antonio ICE Arrests: A Closer Look at the Numbers
San Antonio has become a focal point for immigration enforcement in 2025. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reports that, so far this year, more than 6,000 people have been arrested in the region. Of these, 68% had either a prior criminal conviction or pending criminal charges. The types of criminal ties range from drug trafficking and assault to domestic violence, larceny, driving under the influence (DUI), and weapons offenses.
However, the data also shows a dramatic rise in the number of people arrested without any criminal history. In January, only 13% of those arrested in San Antonio had no criminal record. By June, that number had jumped to 51%, meaning more than half of those arrested that month had no criminal ties. This change reflects a broader shift in ICE’s enforcement strategy, moving away from focusing only on individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Policy Changes Drive Surge in Noncriminal Arrests
The increase in noncriminal arrests began after a Trump administration directive on May 21, 2025, which tripled ICE’s monthly arrest quota. This policy change led to a surge in total arrests and a much higher share of noncriminal individuals being detained. Nationwide, the percentage of noncriminal ICE arrests rose from 21% in early May to 47% in early June.
ICE San Antonio acting Field Office Director Sylvester M. Ortega explained that the agency’s main goal remains public safety and the removal of criminal aliens. “We are focused on removing those who pose a threat to our communities,” Ortega said. Still, the numbers show that many more people without criminal records are now being caught up in enforcement actions.
High-Profile Operations and Criminal Charges
Between May 11 and May 17, 2025, ICE San Antonio led a joint operation with several law enforcement agencies, arresting 275 individuals. Of these, 178 (65%) were classified as criminal aliens. The charges included serious offenses such as:
- Drug manufacturing and distribution
- Assault and domestic violence
- Fraud and larceny
- DUI and weapons violations
- Illegal reentry after deportation
These operations often involve cooperation between ICE and agencies like the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
How the Arrest Process Works
When ICE identifies someone for arrest, agents may work with local police or other federal agencies to locate and detain the individual. After arrest, the person is processed for removal proceedings. Those with criminal ties are usually prioritized for deportation. However, under the new policy, even those without criminal records are now being detained and placed in removal proceedings.
Anyone who wants to report a crime or suspicious activity to ICE can call 866-347-2423 or use the ICE online tip form.
Expert Views and Community Concerns
Austin Kocher, a research assistant professor at Syracuse University, points out that ICE has always had the authority to arrest any undocumented immigrant. However, he notes that the current administration has put more emphasis on the criminality of those arrested, even as the agency expands its focus to include more noncriminal individuals. “The numbers show that the net is widening,” Kocher said, “and more people without criminal ties are being caught up in these enforcement actions.”
Immigrant advocacy groups and some local officials in San Antonio have raised concerns about the impact of these changes. They worry that the increase in noncriminal arrests is causing fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities. Families are being separated, and many people are seeking legal help to understand their rights and options.
Historical Context: How Enforcement Has Changed
Under previous administrations, ICE mainly targeted individuals with criminal records for arrest and deportation. The goal was to focus resources on those considered a threat to public safety. However, the Trump administration’s new policy has led to a much broader approach. Now, anyone who is undocumented, regardless of criminal history, may be at risk of arrest.
This shift has not led to a big increase in the total number of people held in ICE detention nationwide. The number of detainees has stayed about the same in recent months, partly because there have been fewer border apprehensions by Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Still, the change in who is being arrested has had a big impact on local communities.
What This Means for Individuals and Families
For those with criminal records, being arrested by ICE often means expedited removal proceedings. This process can move quickly, with limited opportunities to challenge deportation. For individuals without criminal ties, the process may take longer, but they still face the risk of detention and removal from the United States 🇺🇸.
The rise in noncriminal arrests has led to more cases of family separation. Parents may be detained while their children remain in the community, or entire families may be placed in removal proceedings. Advocacy groups in San Antonio report a sharp increase in requests for legal assistance and support services.
Community Impact: Fear and Uncertainty
The surge in ICE arrests has created a climate of fear in many San Antonio neighborhoods. Some residents are afraid to go to work, take their children to school, or seek medical care, worried that they might be detained by immigration authorities. Local organizations are working to provide information, legal help, and emotional support to those affected.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the growing number of noncriminal arrests is making it harder for immigrant families to feel safe and secure. Many people are unsure about their rights and what steps they can take if they or a loved one are detained.
Official Statements and National Perspective
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that 70% of ICE arrests nationwide involve immigrants with criminal convictions or pending charges. However, this figure is not broken down by region, and the San Antonio data shows a different trend, especially in recent months.
ICE officials continue to stress that their main focus is on public safety and removing those who pose a threat. But the numbers show that the agency’s approach has changed, with a much wider range of people now at risk of arrest.
Legal and Policy Challenges Ahead
The new enforcement priorities are likely to face legal challenges in the coming months. Advocacy groups argue that the increase in noncriminal arrests raises questions about due process and the rights of those detained. Some lawsuits are already underway, challenging the way ICE conducts arrests and removal proceedings.
At the same time, local officials and community leaders are calling for more transparency and accountability from ICE. They want to ensure that people’s rights are protected and that families are not needlessly separated.
What Can Affected Individuals Do?
If you or someone you know is at risk of being detained by ICE in San Antonio, there are steps you can take:
- Know Your Rights: Everyone, regardless of immigration status, has certain rights under U.S. law. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer.
- Seek Legal Help: Contact a local legal aid organization or immigration attorney for advice. Many groups offer free or low-cost services.
- Prepare a Family Plan: Make sure your family knows what to do if someone is detained. Keep important documents in a safe place and have a plan for caring for children or other dependents.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted sources, including local news outlets and official government websites like the ICE San Antonio Field Office.
Summary Table: San Antonio ICE Arrests (2025)
| Metric | January 2025 | June 2025 | Year-to-Date (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total ICE arrests (monthly) | 626 | 1,804 | >6,000 |
| % with criminal ties (monthly) | 87% | 49% | 68% (YTD) |
| % without criminal ties (monthly) | 13% | 51% | 32% (YTD) |
| Notable joint operation arrests | — | — | 275 (May 11-17) |
| % criminal aliens in operation | — | — | 65% |
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for San Antonio?
With the new arrest quotas and broader enforcement priorities, high levels of both criminal and noncriminal ICE arrests are expected to continue in San Antonio for the rest of 2025. The annual average for noncriminal arrests may rise even further if current trends continue.
Legal challenges and advocacy efforts may lead to changes in how ICE operates, especially when it comes to protecting the rights of noncriminal detainees. For now, however, the agency’s focus remains on meeting its new quotas and removing as many undocumented immigrants as possible, regardless of criminal history.
Resources for Help and Information
If you need information about a detainee or want to report a tip, you can contact the ICE San Antonio Field Office at 866-347-2423 or visit their official website.
Local organizations in San Antonio offer legal assistance and support for those affected by ICE actions. It’s important to reach out for help and stay informed about your rights and options.
Key Takeaways for San Antonio Residents
- 68% of ICE arrests in 2025 involved individuals with criminal ties, but the share of noncriminal arrests is rising fast.
- The Trump administration’s policy change in May tripled ICE’s arrest quota, leading to more arrests of people without criminal records.
- Families and communities in San Antonio are feeling the impact, with increased fear, uncertainty, and requests for legal help.
- Legal and advocacy groups are working to challenge the new enforcement priorities and protect the rights of those detained.
For the most up-to-date information and guidance, monitor official ICE and DHS press releases and stay connected with local San Antonio news outlets. If you or someone you know is affected by ICE arrests, seek legal help and know your rights.
By understanding the current trends and knowing where to turn for support, San Antonio residents can better prepare for the challenges ahead. The situation remains fluid, and staying informed is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones during this period of heightened immigration enforcement.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. agency enforcing immigration laws, responsible for arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants.
Criminal ties → Existing convictions or pending charges linking individuals to criminal activity.
Arrest quota → A policy-imposed target number of arrests ICE must meet monthly.
Removal proceedings → Legal process to determine whether a noncitizen should be deported from the U.S.
Noncriminal detainees → Individuals detained by ICE without any criminal record or charges.
This Article in a Nutshell
San Antonio’s ICE arrests surged in 2025, with policy changes tripling quotas. Over half arrested have no criminal record, fueling community fear and legal challenges amid intensified immigration enforcement efforts.
— By VisaVerge.com
